About
Bob Beacham is an engineer by trade and has spent 35 years working on everything from auto parts to oil rigs. He is also an avid DIY enthusiast. Bob started writing for the Bob Vila team in 2020 and covers tools, outdoor equipment, and home improvement projects.
Experience
Bob spent many years working as an engineer. This gave him the opportunity to travel around Europe and the U.S., working with component suppliers to Aston Martin, Audi, Rolls-Royce and Volkswagen. He also spent some time working on control systems for the aviation and petrochemical industries.
In his late 40s, Bob changed career paths. Since woodworking was one of his favorite hobbies, he decided to start his own woodshop. During this period, he remodeled an old rural farmhouse from the ground up with his wife—the first of two similar projects. As a result, he gained extensive experience with techniques and tools. The woodshop was hugely enjoyable, but not particularly lucrative. He supported his passion with consultancy work and began writing freelance articles about his experiences for several online publications. After 10 very enjoyable years, Bob closed the woodshop after relocating to his current home. The consultancy work and writing continues.
Education
Bob attended school in the U.K. and took an apprenticeship at age 16. He also studied for a degree in mechanical engineering at Aylesbury College in Buckinghamshire.
Highlights
- Specialties and interests: Engineering, DIY and home improvements, woodworking, auto and motorcycle repair and maintenance, and the great outdoors
- Education: Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Aylesbury College in Buckinghamshire, U.K.
- Other work: Interesting Things, Popular Science, Futurism, Field & Stream, and BestReviews (syndicated to a number of regional newspapers, including the Chicago Tribune)
Notable Works
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The Best Random Orbital Sanders of 2023
Popular Mechanics
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The Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2023, Tested
Futurism
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The Best Steel Toe Boots of 2023
Field & Stream
Best DIY Advice
The ground-up renovation of two homes made Bob and his wife very proud of what they achieved. They had minimal experience at the outset, and it took a lot of hard work. His best advice is to not rush and to not continue working when you are tired. Both lead to mistakes, there is a potential for accidents, and the task usually ends up taking longer anyway.
